Best places to visit in Switzerland
Switzerland natural landscapes and towns possess a surreal beauty that seems almost otherworldly. The country is characterized by magnificent glacier-capped peaks, thundering waterfalls, fairy-tale castles with turrets, and turquoise-blue lakes that appear almost too perfect to be real. There are lots of destinations that you can visit when you travel in Switzerland.
- Experience a unique and unforgettable journey to Europe’s highest train station, Jungfraujoch, located at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet). Enjoy a range of exciting activities, such as hiking, skiing, sledging, and zip-lining among the mythical mountains of Grindelwald. Witness a plethora of stunning waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen, and indulge in a variety of extreme sports in Interlaken, including skydiving, ice climbing, and glacial bungee jumping
2. Bern
Bern often appears in trivia questions as an unexpected choice for a capital city, but it deserves more recognition as Switzerland’s first city. Its medieval Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and flags adorning the buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a delightful treat. The town boasts 6 kilometers of covered arcades, cellar shops, and bars, as well as 16th-century fountains topped with whimsical folk figures that are a sight to behold. The Zytglogge clock tower is particularly eye-catching. Framed by lush wooded hills and divided by the turquoise Aare River, this red-roofed city is picturesque from every angle. Children will love the storybook-like atmosphere, with the giant Kindlifresserbrunnen fountain featuring a giant who snacks on children and the resident bears.
3. Lake Geneva
Located in the western corner of Switzerland, Lake Geneva (known as Lac Léman to French speakers) is a stunning crescent-shaped body of water that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The lake is adorned with vineyards and its shoreline is dotted with charming cities and towns that are crowned with picturesque castles. It’s a sight to behold and is sure to lift one’s spirits.
Geneva, located on the southern shore of Lake Geneva, is a cosmopolitan city that is instantly recognizable by its rainbow-lit Jet d’Eau fountain and the imposing Mont Blanc mountain range that can be seen in the distance. It’s an excellent starting point for exploring the area, with a plethora of world-renowned museums and galleries to visit, beautiful botanical gardens to stroll through, inviting lidos for swimming, charming cafes in the Old Town to relax in, and bright-yellow mouettes (water taxis) that ferry locals across the lake, making for one of the most scenic commutes in the world.
4. Zermatt
The Matterhorn, standing tall at 4478m (14,692ft), is undoubtedly the most famous peak in Switzerland, and its strikingly gnarled rock formation looms over the charming Alpine town of Zermatt, which is filled with traditional timber chalets. The Matterhorn is so beloved in Switzerland that it even inspired the iconic pyramid shape of Toblerone chocolate.
However, Zermatt is not just a destination for admiring the Matterhorn. Climbers have been flocking to the area since the mid-19th century, and it remains a popular destination for challenging summit ascents today. Additionally, visitors can also come to hike, ski, and take in the spectacular views of glaciers and the surrounding 4000m (13,123ft) peaks at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
5. Swiss National Park
It may come as a surprise, but Switzerland only has one national park. However, rest assured, it’s a fantastic one. Tucked away in a secluded corner of the country’s southeast, on the border with Italy, the Swiss National Park covers an area of 172 square kilometers (66 square miles). It’s an unparalleled natural wonderland that showcases the Alps in all their glory, with high moors, dense forests, colorful wildflower-strewn meadows, sparkling waterfalls, jewel-toned lakes, and towering mountains that reach to the sky. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including ibex, chamois, marmots, deer, and golden eagles, all of which roam and fly freely in this unspoiled landscape.
7. Jura Mountains and Lac de Neuchâtel
The Jura Mountains, located along the French-Swiss border, are a natural marvel, with their dark forested hills and serene surroundings. This tranquil region boasts a unique beauty, with sprawling green meadows, ancient forests, rocky outcrops that overlook a trio of lakes set against a stunning Alpine backdrop, and villages and valleys that have retained their traditional charm for centuries.
One of the best ways to explore the area is by taking a road trip. Start your journey at the Jura Vaudois Nature Park, where you can embark on hikes that offer breathtaking views of Lake Geneva, and indulge in Gruyère cheese tastings at rustic Alpine huts. Then, head north to Lac de Joux, the picturesque watchmaking village of Le Sentier, and Vallorbe, where you can explore Switzerland’s largest and most impressive limestone caves.
9. Lake Lucerne
Lucerne, situated on the picturesque banks of its shimmering namesake lake, is a medieval city that exudes an indescribable charm. You’ll be enchanted by its magic as you take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, with the sun setting in a magnificent blaze of gold and pink, or as you cruise across the lake to the legendary mountains that surround it: Mt Pilatus, standing tall at 2132m (6995ft), where Wagner rhapsodized about the stunning Alpine panorama, and Rigi, at 1797m (5896ft), whose sublime light inspired Turner to paint it in three distinct moods.
Despite its size, this little city boasts a rich cultural scene, with the iconic medieval Kapellbrücke bridge spanning the Reuss River, and the KKL arts center, designed by Jean Nouvel, and the Sammlung Rosengart, home to a prized private collection of Picassos. As you stroll past the belle époque hotels that line the lake’s shore, the same breathtaking views that mesmerized Goethe, Queen Victoria, and Wagner in the 19th century will leave you spellbound
10. Basel
Basel often goes unnoticed when it comes to popularity, but it’s a mistake to overlook it. Situated on the Rhine, this city has everything you need for a memorable trip: top-notch art displayed in some of the country’s finest galleries, a thriving food scene, cutting-edge buildings designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects, and a vibrant cafe culture.
To fully explore the city center, set aside several days. Don’t miss the Kunstmuseum, which houses a superb art collection, the Fondation Beyeler designed by Renzo Piano, and the Vitra Design Museum, designed by Frank Gehry.
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